The Wisdom of Yoda

In 2010, the British movie magazine Empire ranked Yoda, the 800-year-old Grand Master of the Jedi Council, as the 25th greatest movie character of all time. This beloved green creature with a face that only a mother could love (a cross between the faces of Albert Einstein and Stuart Freeborn, a makeup artist that worked on the original trilogy) has certainly seen a lot in his eight centuries: the collapse of the Galactic Republic and the corruption of the Jedi Order, not to mention the crass commercialism of his likeness that appears on everything from keychains to slippers (if you can imagine a product, there is very likely a Yoda version of it). Yoda, of course, is best known for his main role as Jedi trainer; however don’t let his scruffy appearance fool you — he is a deep thinker. According to his official biography, Yoda “prefers meditation and reflection, spending much time pondering the mysteries of the Force.” And as any dedicated fan of the Star Wars films can attest, Yoda delights in casting pearls of wisdom with the sternness and impishness of an avuncular college professor. Here are some of the best and most insightful quotes from Yoda spoken, of course, in his distinctive language, known as Yodic, that generally follows a unique syntax (object-subject-verb).

Do. Or do not. There is no try.

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Always pass on what you have learned.

Wars not make one great.

Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is.